St. Charles offers early support for new neighborhood targeting empty nesters

A suburban developer is eyeing a vacant St. Charles property to build 51 houses primarily geared toward empty nesters.

Single-level living would be a common theme within the Munhall Glen subdivision, proposed by West Chicago-based Airhart Construction Corp. Though a concept plan calls for a variety of home models and lot sizes, a majority would include first-floor master bedrooms, with some offering extra bedrooms or loft space on the second floor.

"I absolutely believe there's a market for this," company President Court Airhart said. "This would really meet a housing need in St. Charles."

The neighborhood is proposed for a 15-acre parcel just west of Tyler Road with access off Munhall Avenue. The lot is ideal for a residential infill project, Airhart said, nestled between commercial and light industrial uses, a municipal storage facility and other houses.

Aldermen expressed their preliminary support for the plan earlier this week, saying the concept would fit well within the area's mix of uses. But they urged the construction firm to consider a number of recommendations from the plan commission, such as adding a second access road connecting to South Avenue, preserving mature trees and incorporating more open space wherever possible.

"I really like the development," Alderman Todd Bancroft said. "The product is really nice, and I think it'd be a good addition to the neighborhood."

Sidewalks, natural detention basins and two "pocket parks" for social interaction are expected to be included in the site plans. Airhart said he hopes to connect pathways within the subdivision to the city's larger park and trail system.

He also plans to request relief on development fees for school, park and inclusionary housing, though some aldermen warned they would not be in favor of waiving or reducing those requirements.

With landscaping and snow removal services included, the neighborhood would cater predominantly to retirees and empty nesters looking to downsize from their family homes to something with a smaller footprint, Airhart said. But young professionals or couples without kids also might find the low-maintenance properties appealing, he said, noting the houses wouldn't be restricted to a certain age group.

Ranging from 1,400 square feet to 3,000 square feet, the homes are expected to contain an open-concept floor plan with two to four bedrooms, as well as a two-car garage, private yards and a rear patio or deck. Prices will likely range from $450,000 to the mid-$600,000s, Airhart said.

Jeff and Laura Tarro were among the neighboring residents and property owners who expressed concerns over the project density, saying they "want to make sure that its development matches the characteristics that attracted us to the area in the first place."

City officials are expected to consider proposed zoning and development plans at a future date.